I bought art over the weekend. I'm sort of embarrassed to say I bought seven pieces from one artist. I was smitten immediately. His booth was in the first block of the four blocks of artists, so really eight blocks if you walk one side of the street and back the other side. I saw some nice stuff, but nothing I really wanted to take home and live with. Except Chris Vance's work.
I bought three 1' by 1' paintings on Saturday. They make a nice triptych. Kind of landscape-ish, but abstract. I was also really drawn to his figures but didn't think I should buy the bigger, more expensive work and and the paintings on paper aren't framed. So I bought three lovely smaller pieces and was happy.
Until I woke up Sunday morning and realized I really wanted some figures too. I argued with myself about frivolous spending and that I don't really need it, I just want it. I called Chris and asked if two of the figures on paper were sold. He said they weren't and he would put them aside. I said I would only buy one and I didn't want him to miss a sale. He said not to worry about it. What I really wanted was a bigger piece. It is one of his latest pieces and his current favorite. I know because when I told him I was smitten with a few of the 1' by 1's he showed it to me and said he was smitten with that one.
By the time I arrived at the fair I had decided I didn't need to replace my ugly faux-wood Formica counters, I would buy the painting instead. I then spent over an hour deciding if I could really live with it or if I should buy a few of the paper pieces instead. There is one spot on Untitled that I keep picking at mentally. I finally asked him to explain why he added some collage there. His explanation made sense and now that area is not so pointy in my head.
I bought Untitled (informally known as The King and I) and three paper pieces. He gave me a great deal and I'm very happy with my paintings. My small collection is now dominated by one artist, but I really like the work he is doing right now. His work evolves really quickly. Can't wait to see what he is working on next year. I'll try to take some pictures of the pieces to post on Flicker. Here is some of Chris Vance's work on a gallery website where he shows. None of the pieces is really like what I bought, but I can see elements from each.
I feel decadent, but satisfied I made a good choice. I also found a perfect cherry side table. It has everything I was looking for. I bought it from Tom, the craftsman who built it. It is simple shaker style.
I also feel inspired to paint again. It was awesome to talk with an artist about his work. His process and intent took me back to my school days, except more real. I want to paint again. I'm tired of being a non-practicing artist. He said, "Turn off the TV and paint." Good advice.